eco.mont – Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research and Management, Vol. 4 / No. 2

In protected areas maintaining existing phytodiversity is an important conservation target. In this study we analysed the effects of abandonment on plant species composition and species richness over a period of nine years in a montane grassland in the Long-term Ecosystem Research (LTER) region Eisenwurzen (Styria, Austria). Additional investigations concerned the number of Red Data List species, plant strategy types, Ellenberg indicator values, indicator values for mowing, grazing and trampling tolerance, temporal sequence of phenological phases and seven plant traits. We differentiated two topography-related habitat types: an initially species-rich sheep pasture on a steep, south-facing slope and a less species-rich meadow on a flat site immediately below, with a comparatively higher nutrient and water supply in the topsoil. Testing a possible management alternative, the effects of continued low-intensity sheep grazing on the slope were also analysed. In spring 2001, one permanent plot of 50 m² was established in the centre of each habitat type and treatment. Our results show that the long-term effects of abandonment on grassland vegetation depend largely on local site conditions. Nutrient availability in the soil seems to be an especially important factor. On the abandoned flat site, floristic composition and physiognomy changed dramatically within four years; a high species turnover and a decline in phytodiversity could be observed. In contrast, we found only minor effects on the abandoned slope site even nine years after abandonment. If the maintenance of existing phytodiversity is a conservation target, suitable management operations have to be carried out at shorter intervals (at least every 3 years) in habitats with nutrient-rich soils than in nutrient-poor habitats (approx. 5 to 10 years). From a nature conservation point of view, low-intensity sheep grazing may be a suitable management alternative to mowing.

Schlagworte: abandonment, permanent plots, secondary succession, species turnover, management operations

The study analyses the effects of the relocation of the village Arkwasiye in the Simien Mountains National Park, a most spectacular landscape in the northern highlands of Ethiopia. The relocation was deemed necessary as just one component in a bundle of measures proposed by the UNESCO World Heritage Commission. In 2007 some 165 households were relocated voluntarily to the new village of Kayit. The socio-economic effects of the relocation were evaluated by carrying out on-site interviews with the residents. The results indicate that the relocated villagers are satisfied with the new infrastructures and social services. However, relocation has also brought certain disadvantages with far-reaching consequences for the everyday life of the villagers, and thus their livelihoods, as these have led to a considerable loss of earning opportunities and – against the aims of the relocation – to intensified grazing in the area. The authors discuss these results in the light of a recent global discussion on relocation for conservation purposes and come up with five recommendations. Close monitoring of key parameters is seen as a minimum requirement for such an undertaking.

Schlagworte: National Park, World Heritage, Ethiopia, relocation, protected area management, development, co-operation, UNESCO

Efforts have been made to provide a scientific basis for using environmental services as a conceptual tool to enhance conservation and improve livelihoods in protected mountain areas (MtPAS). Little attention has been paid to participatory research or locals’ concerns as environmental service (ES) users and providers. Such perspectives can illuminate the complex interplay between mountain ecosystems, environmental services and the determinants of human well-being. Repeat photography, long used in geographical fieldwork, is new as a qualitative research tool. This study uses a novel application of repeat photography as a diachronic photo-diary to examine local perceptions of change in ES in Sagarmatha National Park. Results show a consensus among locals on adverse changes to ES, particularly protection against natural hazards, such as landslides and floods, in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. We argue that our methodology could complement biophysical ecosystem assessments in MtPAS, especially since assessing ES, and acting on that, requires integrating diverse stakeholders’ knowledge, recognizing power imbalances and grappling with complex social-ecological systems.

Schlagworte: perceptions, qualitative methodology, photo-interviewing, UNESCO World Heritage Site, protected mountain areas, conservation, livelihoods, human well-being

In March 2004 the Regionalverbund (regional association) of the Lungau region (Salzburg Province) initiated a meeting with representatives from agriculture, tourism, business as well as with mayors, chaired by the Gemeindeentwicklung Salzburg (municipal development service), where the idea of establishing a biosphere reserve (BR) was quite well received. Geographer Birgit Reutz-Hornsteiner reported on Großes Walsertal BR (Vorarlberg), at that time the only BR in Austria to fulfill the criteria of the new Seville Strategy. As the meeting ended, all chamber representatives expressed their support for continuing work on the BR proposal apace. In a next step, a working group was established. It contacted the Austrian National MAB Committee and also sought the view of conservation authorities. Anita Moser (municipal development service) prepared the presentation to the MAB Committee.

Schlagworte:

With the implementation of the new parks legislation, Switzerland has experienced a boom in the establishment of parks of national importance. From a scientific point of view, this presents a unique opportunity to accompany these new parks and to establish long-term evaluation in order to assess the changes in and the impact of these areas. From a management point of view, parks depend on scientific results in order to take adequate measures for valorization and development of their areas. It is important to foster the dialogue between science and practice and to develop research topics, which can be analysed comparatively across several parks. Commissioned by the Federal Office of the Environment (FOEN), the coordination office Research on parks and its accompanying group of experts drew up a thematic catalogue of comparative research topics on parks and protected areas. This catalogue represents a first step towards formulating a research strategy and establishing a long-term impact assessment.

Schlagworte: Switzerland, research-parks of national importance, protected areas, transdisciplinarity

The mixed forest of the locally protected Aigner Park in the city of Salzburg, Austria, is a good example of a perfect fire salamander habitat. It provides ideal habitat conditions for the aquatic and terrestrial life of this threatened amphibian species. It was therefore chosen as the study site for long-term larval monitoring and for defining the best conditions for larval detectability. Monitoring started in 2010 in the Schwarzenbach first-order stream and is still in progress. In 2012, it was possible to show for the first time the dependence of larval detection rates on the time of day and on weather conditions. Hence, nightly counts in the main larval season (April – May), in combination with dry weather conditions, can be recommended for future larval monitoring studies. Involving local school children in the field work raised and increased their awareness of this amphibian species and nature protection in general. Once more it was shown that successful conservation is only possible by involving the public, starting with the children, who are responsible for future protection. Altogether, the Sparkling Science Project turned out to be a perfect way to attain this goal.

Schlagworte: Salamandra salamandra, salamander larvae, monitoring, larval detectability, environmental education

The European Green Belt initiative aims to transform the former Iron Curtain into an ecological network. The most characteristic landscapes along the western part of the Balkan Green Belt are mountain ranges that are European biodiversity hotspots. The flagship species of this section of the Balkan Green Belt is the Balkan lynx, which is critically endangered. Especially the mountain ranges in the border zone between Albania, Kosovo (according UN Security Council Regulation 1244/99), Montenegro and FYR Macedonia deserve a coherent network of protected areas. The vision is to create three large complexes of transboundary protected areas. In addition to designating large-scale protected areas, the management of existing areas has to be improved significantly.

Schlagworte: European Green Belt, Western Balkan, large-scale protected areas, ecological network

Repeat photography reveals changes in Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park and Buffer Zone – a microcosm of the Himalayas. The principal author re-took historical photographs from the same viewpoints, illustrating cultural landscape change and persistence over 50 years. The photographs were then used as a basis for interviews with local people. The research also shed light on socio-economic change, particularly in land cover. It proved that repeat photography can rapidly provide important insights into landscape change patterns, cause, and management options.

Schlagworte: repeat photography, socio-economic change, land-cover change, landscape dynamics, UNESCO World Heritage Site, protected mountain areas